An Examination of Factors Influencing Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

An Examination of Factors Influencing Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PDF Author: James E. Catino
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nearly 90% of all firefighting personnel are volunteers. These volunteer emergency services organizations not only provide the invaluable service of public safety, but also produce a significant cost savings for local municipalities. The number of people who volunteer in Pennsylvania?s fire companies has been on a steady decline for the past several decades. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) tracked the number of volunteer firefighters from the period of 1976 to 1995 and estimated that the number of volunteers dropped from 300,000 to 70,000. The State Fire Commissioner reports that the number is closer to 50,000 today. Literature on this subject is mostly oriented toward the causes of the volunteer decline. In the study reported here, the researcher utilized semi-structured interviews, observations, and document reviews to collect pertinent data. A qualitative research methodology was selected in order to obtain "thick, rich data" as compared to the previous data collected by surveys. The researcher examined if existing firefighter retention strategies are working, how they can be improved, and discusses possible new strategies to enhance the effort of volunteer fire company administrators. During the interview process, the researcher was able to reinforce some of the previous data regarding attrition, especially in the areas of time requirements, leadership, and internal conflict. Further, in relation to study?s framework, it was identified that the vast majority of motivational techniques being employed by volunteer fire company leadership were extrinsic in nature. The researcher summarizes the data, makes conclusions, and offers recommendations at multiple levels of government.

An Examination of Factors Influencing Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

An Examination of Factors Influencing Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PDF Author: James E. Catino
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nearly 90% of all firefighting personnel are volunteers. These volunteer emergency services organizations not only provide the invaluable service of public safety, but also produce a significant cost savings for local municipalities. The number of people who volunteer in Pennsylvania?s fire companies has been on a steady decline for the past several decades. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) tracked the number of volunteer firefighters from the period of 1976 to 1995 and estimated that the number of volunteers dropped from 300,000 to 70,000. The State Fire Commissioner reports that the number is closer to 50,000 today. Literature on this subject is mostly oriented toward the causes of the volunteer decline. In the study reported here, the researcher utilized semi-structured interviews, observations, and document reviews to collect pertinent data. A qualitative research methodology was selected in order to obtain "thick, rich data" as compared to the previous data collected by surveys. The researcher examined if existing firefighter retention strategies are working, how they can be improved, and discusses possible new strategies to enhance the effort of volunteer fire company administrators. During the interview process, the researcher was able to reinforce some of the previous data regarding attrition, especially in the areas of time requirements, leadership, and internal conflict. Further, in relation to study?s framework, it was identified that the vast majority of motivational techniques being employed by volunteer fire company leadership were extrinsic in nature. The researcher summarizes the data, makes conclusions, and offers recommendations at multiple levels of government.

An Examination of Factors Influencing Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

An Examination of Factors Influencing Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PDF Author: James Catino
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Volunteer fire fighters
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nearly 90% of all firefighting personnel are volunteers. These volunteer emergency services organizations not only provide the invaluable service of public safety, but also produce a significant cost savings for local municipalities. The number of people who volunteer in Pennsylvania's fire companies has been on a steady decline for the past several decades. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) tracked the number of volunteer firefighters from the period of 1976 to 1995 and estimated that the number of volunteers dropped from 300,000 to 70,000. The State Fire Commissioner reports that the number is closer to 50,000 today. Literature on this subject is mostly oriented toward the causes of the volunteer decline. In the study reported here, the researcher utilized semi-structured interviews, observations, and document reviews to collect pertinent data. A qualitative research methodology was selected in order to obtain "thick, rich data" as compared to the previous data collected by surveys. The researcher examined if existing firefighter retention strategies are working, how they can be improved, and discusses possible new strategies to enhance the effort of volunteer fire company administrators. During the interview process, the researcher was able to reinforce some of the previous data regarding attrition, especially in the areas of time requirements, leadership, and internal conflict. Further, in relation to study's framework, it was identified that the vast majority of motivational techniques being employed by volunteer fire company leadership were extrinsic in nature. The researcher summarizes the data, makes conclusions, and offers recommendations at multiple levels of government.

The Influence of Two-factor Theory on Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters

The Influence of Two-factor Theory on Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters PDF Author: Johnnie Kormah Bryemah
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 97

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Book Description
The sharp decline in recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters by fire departments in southeastern Pennsylvania has resulted in the shortage of volunteers to respond adequately to emergencies. This deterioration has culminated into the delivery of inadequate services to most municipalities. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research was to explore and identify factors that influence recruitment and retention from the perspective of volunteer firefighters in southeastern Pennsylvania who agreed to participate. Additionally, a comprehensive review of scholarly journals as well as volunteer management literature was examined during the conduct of this study. Furthermore, data collection activities was carried out through a one-on-one, face-to-face interview methodology with 25 active volunteer firefighters in the region to answer the interview questions which helped the researcher adequately answer the primary and secondary research questions using Hertzberg's two-factor theory. A major findings from the study indicated that the scarcity of volunteer firefighters to respond to community emergencies was due in large part to the lack of motivational incentives to boost recruitment and retention. It was, therefore, the recommendation that chiefs and policy makers of volunteer fire departments in southeastern Pennsylvania make every effort to provide the motivational needs of potential as well as experienced volunteer firefighters to entice them to enlist and remain with fire departments.

Developing a Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Program

Developing a Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Program PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 75

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Book Description
The recruitment and retention challenges facing the volunteer fire companies in Tredyffrin, Easttown and Radnor Townships and its local governments were analyzed by identifying the viewpoints of the volunteer first responders and local elected officials. It is evident based on the research conducted that there is much work to be done to address this critical issue that faces volunteer fire companies in the municipalities. The problem is the lack of an organized volunteer first responder recruitment and retention program in Tredyffrin, Easttown and Radnor Townships. The purpose of this research is to identify recommendations to fire company leadership and local elected officials as to how to implement a volunteer first responder recruitment and retention program. The following four research questions were answered: a) What are the challenges to recruiting and retaining volunteer first responders? b) What recruitment and/or retention programs exist in other volunteer or combination fire companies? c) What recruitment and/or retention programs can be implemented by Tredyffrin, Easttown and Radnor Townships to benefit the fire companies, d) How can the fire companies that service Tredyffrin, Easttown and Radnor Townships work together to educate the community about the importance of recruiting and retaining volunteers? The issue of volunteer recruitment and retention was examined in the context of what solutions exist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that can be put into action to help solve the problem. The procedures were based on the descriptive research method that used data analysis and two survey instruments to establish a framework for recommendations that the volunteer first responders and elected officials in Tredyffrin, Easttown and Radnor Townships could use in implementing a recruitment and retention program. The results found that a specific set of recommendations will be developed in order to build a comprehensive volunteer recruitment and retention program.

Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Model Rules of Professional Conduct PDF Author: American Bar Association. House of Delegates
Publisher: American Bar Association
ISBN: 9781590318737
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

The Heart of Altruism

The Heart of Altruism PDF Author: Kristen Renwick Monroe
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691058474
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 312

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Book Description
Is all human behavior based on self-interest? Many social and biological theories would argue so, but such a perspective does not explain the many truly heroic acts committed by people willing to risk their lives to help others. Kristen Monroe boldly lays the groundwork for a social theory toward altruism by examining the experiences described by altruists themselves.

NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments

NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments PDF Author: National Fire Protection Association
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fire departments
Languages : en
Pages : 24

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Book Description
"The purpose of this standard is to specify the minimum criteria addressing the effectiveness and efficiency of the career public fire suppression operations, emergency medical service, and special operations delivery in protecting the citizens of the jurisdiction and the occupational safety and health of fire department employees"--P. 4.

American Doctoral Dissertations

American Doctoral Dissertations PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Dissertation abstracts
Languages : en
Pages : 596

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Book Description


Pennsylvania State Manual

Pennsylvania State Manual PDF Author: Pennsylvania
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Executive departments
Languages : en
Pages : 1064

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Book Description


Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning

Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning PDF Author: Kay C. Goss
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 078814829X
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
Meant to aid State & local emergency managers in their efforts to develop & maintain a viable all-hazard emergency operations plan. This guide clarifies the preparedness, response, & short-term recovery planning elements that warrant inclusion in emergency operations plans. It offers the best judgment & recommendations on how to deal with the entire planning process -- from forming a planning team to writing the plan. Specific topics of discussion include: preliminary considerations, the planning process, emergency operations plan format, basic plan content, functional annex content, hazard-unique planning, & linking Federal & State operations.